Lions Pushed to Land $42 Million DE in Edge Rush ‘Overhaul’

admin | February 19, 2024 | Other Clubs | No Comments

In 2023, the Detroit Lions significantly improved their defense, but their pass rush remained inconsistent.

According to Jeff Risdon of USA Today, a three-time Pro Bowler may be a suitable replacement for standout Aidan Hutchinson in the Lions’ edge-rushing group, which is expected to undergo an upgrade this offseason. Risdon suggested that former Cleveland Browns edge rusher Za’Darius Smith could be a “under-the-radar” addition to replace some of the seasoned leadership the Lions would lose this offseason.

Lions Tapped to Add ‘Productive’ Veteran

Risdon predicted that the Lions’ pass-rushing group will undergo considerable changes this summer, with some veterans anticipated to leave in free agency.

“With the Lions rebuilding the EDGE position—Julian Okwara is already in Philadelphia, and both his brother Romeo and Charles Harris are free agents—the Lions could be in the market for a more productive veteran hoping for one more shot at a Super Bowl. Risdon wrote, “That’s Smith.”

Risdon observed that Smith appeared to be receiving minimal attention ahead of the start of free agency in March, particularly for a player who has 15.5 sacks over the last two seasons. This could be due in part to Smith’s dropoff in 2023, when he had only 5.5 sacks and 27 total tackles despite playing alongside the more productive Myles Garrett.

#Browns DC Jim Schwartz ran across the field to tell Za'Darius Smith to do a lap around the stadium to celebrate with fans after the playoff-clinching win.

He was more than happy to. pic.twitter.com/Xprqriw4Vv

— Camryn Justice (@camijustice) December 29, 2023

However, Smith might be a valuable addition to a squad that has failed to find a reliable pass rusher opposite Hutchinson. Hutchinson, a second-year player, recorded 11.5 sacks, accounting for over 30% of the team total. No other player had more than five sacks throughout the year.

Smith might provide the stability that the rest of the team lacks outside of Hutchinson, Risdon noted.

“Smith, now 33, is no longer the Pro Bowler from the Packers a few years ago that Lions fans might recall,” he said in a statement. “However, he’s still an effective outside-in pass rusher who can finish in the backfield and plays with positional discipline.”

Smith, who signed a three-year, $42-million contract with the Minnesota Vikings two years ago, may be a more cheap addition for the Lions after signing a one-year, $10.5-million contract with the Browns last year.

Lions Making Additions to Defense

The Lions have already made some defensive moves, signing Canadian Football League player Mathieu Betts to a deal. Last year, the CFL’s previous Most Outstanding Defensive Player had 18 sacks in 18 games for the British Columbia Lions, choosing the Lions over possible NFL suitors.

“He had offers in both leagues and ultimately the fit in Detroit, they’ve had continued interest in him ever since he worked out for them,” Betts’ agent Sasha Ghavami told the Detroit Free Press. “There’s a great fit. I believe he is the type of player they are looking for: high-energy, high-motor, and willing to give it his all. And I believe it was another opportunity for him to enter the NFL and work his way up the ranks. He’s confident in his ability, and I believe he simply wants the opportunity.”

Tags:Detroit Lions